Luther Davis will spend his spring break swimming 164 miles of the St. John’s River from Sanford to Jacksonville, and he’s hoping to teach his students a lesson in the process.

  • Lake Mary High teacher to swim from Sanford to Jax
  • Luther Davis wants to show students value of the St. John's River
  • Track Luther Davis' trip on swimforstjohnsriver.com

But it’s not a lesson in physical stamina – it’s one of environmental preservation.

Just as many teachers and students are closing the books and leaving the classroom for spring break, Davis is still teaching.

“I have a passion for teaching – that’s the way I think,” Davis said.

The Lake Mary High School science teacher is going the distance.

“Some people think, 'Hey am I nervous,’ but I’m like, 'No let's get this done,'" Davis said. “I’m really pumped to get out there and showcase what I’ve been working so hard for.”

Davis will kayak 16 miles across gator-filled areas of the waterway in Seminole County before jumping in the water to swim the rest. He’ll have some help.

“At all times on this journey I’m going to be within feet of support craft,” Davis said.

In June 2014, Davis and three of his friends swam across Lake Monroe in Sanford in what they dubbed the “Gator Bait.” They successfully made it back and forth across the lake without any skirmishes with alligators.

This will be a much larger trip – 180 miles total.  It’s not just for sport but to also trace the path a raindrop takes.

Davis started the trip in his backyard.

“So that water that starts here eventually makes its way into the St. Johns River,” Davis said. “So I thought, ‘why not trace the path of that water, so I can showcase not only the hardships and the highlights of that water drop but also the hardships and the highlights of me as a swimmer.’”

On Thursday, several of Davis’s students at Lake Mary High School joined him for the first leg of his trip.  They hiked from his backyard, into the woods and to the water’s edge where he will begin the kayak portion of his trip. While on the rugged hike, Davis pointed out the water in a creek.

Davis says his students are really taking a big interest in his journey.

“They’re coming up and giving me high-fives and fist-bumps – they’re genuinely excited about what I’m trying to undertake,” Davis said.

Davis is carrying a GPS tracking device with him throughout his journey so his students and others can track his status.  And he hopes his students will learn the importance of maintaining one of Florida’s most valuable resources.

“Showcase just how valuable the St. Johns River basin is for all Floridians,” Davis said. “I want to inspire my students so that someday maybe they inspire others.”

You can find out more about Davis’ trip and track his location by going to his website www.swimforstjohnsriver.com